Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe

There’s nothing quite like digging into a plate of Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese. This irresistible dish brings together golden, crispy chicken glazed with a sticky, fiery-sweet sauce and pairs it with the ultimate comfort food: a luscious, rich mac and cheese. Every bite is a celebration of flavor—the gentle heat from the honey pepper sauce plays beautifully against the silky macaroni, and you’ll find yourself wondering why you haven’t made this bold combo sooner!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element here is tried and true, working together to make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese an absolute showstopper. You likely have many of these staples on hand, and each plays its part, from creating that shatteringly crisp chicken to building the ooziest, melty cheese sauce.

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders for easy cutting and juicy results.
• Cornstarch: Essential for that signature light, crunchy breading that soaks up sauce without losing its texture.
• Eggs: Acts as the glue to keep your flour and cornstarch coasting on strong.
• Flour: Adds depth and structure to the breading for perfect golden fries.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning so every bite is flavorful through and through.
• Vegetable Oil: Makes frying easy and ensures an even, crisp finish.
• Honey: The sweet base of your sauce, which caramelizes beautifully and clings to every crispy piece.
• Soy Sauce: Gives that salty-savory boost to offset the honey’s sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and a hint of molasses that deepens the sauce flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A tangy zing balances out all the sweetness and spice.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Where the heat comes in! Adjust for your ideal level of spicy.
• Garlic Powder: For a subtle savory note in the sauce.
• Cornstarch Slurry: This quick trick thickens your sauce to perfection in just minutes.
• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds the creamy cheese in every curve.
• Butter: Starts off your roux for a rich, velvety cheese sauce.
• Milk: Creates the backbone of your smooth cheese sauce—whole or 2% is best for creaminess.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The main flavor punch in your mac and cheese, always go for the good stuff!
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings extra gooeyness to every bite.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Step 1: Boil Your Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your elbow macaroni just until al dente according to package instructions. You want them tender yet toothsome—remember, they’ll soak up that dreamy cheese sauce in just a bit. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring in the flour to make a smooth, golden roux. Cook for about 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Keep whisking as it thickens for around 3–5 minutes. Off the heat, stir in sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese until you have a silky, creamy sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper, then fold in your cooked macaroni, tossing until every nook is coated.

Step 3: Prepare and Bread the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Grab three shallow bowls: one for seasoned flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for seasoned cornstarch. Dredge each piece in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with cornstarch. This triple combo guarantees crazy crispness in the final fry!

Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (a breadcrumb should sizzle!), fry the chicken in batches. Don’t crowd the pan—it keeps every piece crunchy. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per batch, until deeply golden and cooked through. Move cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 5: Whip Up the Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Bring to a gentle simmer and whisk in the cornstarch slurry. In just a minute or two, you’ll have a glossy, thick sauce begging to coat your crispy chicken.

Step 6: Toss and Assemble

Add your fried chicken pieces into a large bowl and pour the warm sauce all over. Toss to coat thoroughly. Serve the sticky, saucy chicken right over your creamy macaroni cheese, making sure to drizzle any extra sauce for maximum flavor.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions adds not only color but a burst of freshness that lifts the entire Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese. For an extra treat, a handful of crispy fried onions or a few flakes of red pepper on top will dazzle both the eyes and the tastebuds—or a few bacon bits for salty crunch!

Side Dishes

Though this dish is delightfully hearty on its own, it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted broccoli or garlicky green beans add brightness and crunch, rounding out your meal so every bite of Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese feels extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving the chicken atop the macaroni in individual bowls for a cozy, bistro-style vibe, or pile everything on a large platter and let everyone dig in family-style. For a playful twist, scoop the creamy macaroni cheese into ramekins, top with sauced chicken, and broil for a bubbly, caramelized finish that’s pure comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the chicken and macaroni separate for best results—this way the chicken stays crisp until you’re ready to reheat and combine.

Freezing

You can freeze the macaroni cheese and chicken (unsauced) separately for up to 2 months. Let the mac and cheese cool completely before freezing, and lay chicken pieces out in a single layer to avoid clumping. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the macaroni cheese in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk to restore its creaminess. For the chicken, re-crisp pieces in a hot oven or air fryer, then toss with fresh sauce right before serving for a just-made taste. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the oven is best for keeping everything at its tastiest.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply cut back or omit the crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce. For a completely mild version, you can leave them out entirely and the dish will still have plenty of flavor and irresistible sweetness.

Can I use another type Main Course

Feel free to substitute other short pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or penne for the elbow macaroni. Just aim for pasta with plenty of nooks and curves to hold that luscious cheese sauce.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack at 425°F until golden and cooked through, about 20 minutes. They won’t be quite as crispy as frying, but they’ll still be delicious and a bit lighter.

What cheeses work best for creamy macaroni cheese?

A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is classic for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese, but you can experiment with Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a little smoked cheese for a unique twist.

Can Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch for breading, and choose your favorite gluten-free pasta. Double-check your soy sauce for hidden gluten (tamari is a safe alternative) and enjoy with all the flavor and comfort of the original.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort with a kick, don’t wait another day to make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese. It’s the kind of wildly satisfying dish that’ll become a regular request in your kitchen, bringing warmth, flavor, and just a hint of fun to any table. Give it a try soon—you’re going to love every bite!

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